The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an independent investigation into the death of a 27-year-old man who died after being arrested by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport on Wednesday, 19 February.
The IOPC confirmed the investigation following a referral from the Home Office, which reported that the man had been stopped by officers due to displaying unusual behavior before his scheduled departure from the airport.
Incident Overview
According to the Home Office referral, the man was approached by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport after exhibiting concerning behavior. He was subsequently arrested and taken to a holding area within the airport complex.
While in custody, the man became unwell, prompting officers to call paramedics to the scene. Despite efforts to assist him, the man was pronounced dead at 1:53 pm.
Upon being informed of the death, the IOPC declared an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident at 4:29 pm on Wednesday. IOPC investigators were immediately dispatched to Manchester Airport to begin gathering evidence, including CCTV footage, body-worn camera recordings, and witness statements from Border Force personnel and medical staff.
IOPC Statement
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe expressed condolences to the man’s family and emphasized the importance of a transparent investigation.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death,” Rowe said.
“When someone dies after being taken into custody, it is important for there to be a thorough investigation to understand what has happened. We have been in touch with the man’s family to explain our role and will keep them updated as the investigation progresses.”
She noted that the investigation remains in its early stages, and no further details about the man’s identity or the circumstances leading to his arrest have been released at this time.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The IOPC will examine:
- The circumstances leading to the man’s arrest.
- How the man was treated while in Border Force custody.
- The timeliness and adequacy of the medical response after he became unwell.
- Any potential breaches of protocol by officers involved.
As part of the standard procedure, post-mortem examinations and toxicology tests will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
The IOPC has committed to maintaining regular contact with the deceased’s family throughout the investigation and will share findings once the review is complete.
Community Reactions and Transparency
The incident has sparked concerns regarding detention practices at UK airports. Advocacy groups have called for transparency, urging the IOPC to conduct a comprehensive review of how detainees are treated in Border Force custody.
A spokesperson from the Home Office stated: “We are fully cooperating with the IOPC’s investigation and extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased. We are committed to ensuring that all procedures are followed to the highest standards and await the outcome of the independent investigation.”
Appeal for Witnesses
The IOPC has asked anyone who may have been present at Manchester Airport and witnessed the incident to come forward with information. Witnesses can contact the IOPC directly through their witness hotline or visit their official website to submit any relevant information.
The IOPC will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
